MP Giles Watling calls for hard line to be taken against beach hut arsonists

MP Giles Watling has called for a hard line to be taken against arsonists who torched beach huts in Walton twice in less than 72 hours.

Firefighters were called to Seaview Heights just before 5pm on Sunday in the latest attack, which saw three beach huts destroyed.

The attack happened just three days after two beach huts were destroyed by fire at the same site.

In October, four beach huts were destroyed by flames in Walton and huts in Frinton have been targeted by vandals.

Mr Watling said: “There should be zero tolerance to those that carry out acts of mindless violence. The police and fire authority have my full support in identifying and dealing with those responsible for these incidents.

“Not only are these incidents destructive, they are also extremely dangerous and I encourage beach hut owners to follow the advice given, remove any gas canisters from your beach hut and ensure its security when it is not in use.

“If anyone has any information they feel will be useful to the investigation, please contact the police immediately.

“It is vital that so called low-level anti-social behaviour is dealt with, because if these louts think they are getting away with it, they then go on to escalate their bad behaviour.”

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here